I hope everyone is doing well! Louisiana is gradually reopening. Slow and steady is the word.
One of the perks of slowing down for me has been the time to play around with a few new designs and presentations. In that spirit I thought it might be fun to take a look behind the scenes at how some of the prints come together.
First of all I am always gathering inspiration. Always. I follow designers, read design magazines and books, peruse Pinterest and Instagram daily and am forever excited by the immense creativity I see. I keep tear sheets that inspire me in files, I hang them on my walls, I take pictures of color combinations I find appealing when I’m out and about. I have a large table in my studio I made from doors and it is my everlasting joy to leave clusters of ideas in various spots to percolate. This is a wonderful process for me because I need to live with the “story” as it develops.
Once the story coalesces into a feeling the real beginning of a design takes shape in my mind. It always involves a feeling, motifs that express the feeling, and colors the feeling evokes. A mood/color board like the one I posted becomes the guide for, in this case: pastel colors, a pop of color, and a relaxed vibe with a slightly global feel. But to be perfectly honest, I most often work from the tear sheets taped to a poster board so I can add/subtract sheets as I progress. It’s much more informal, but a board nonetheless.
I think about where the fabric or pillow will be used. Sometimes that influences the color, but really in the end I lean into where my instincts take me. I don’t necessarily build a collection although yes, some designs are meant to work together, but honestly I prefer the happy coincidence of patterns and colors working together. I’m not overly concerned with being trendy when it comes to what I design for Paprika Home. I love what I love and go with the flow when what I love changes. It’s a pretty good gig and it works for me.
Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend!
credits: Cottage veranda chair: mainlybaskets.com | La Jolla basket: Serena and Lily | dishes: mydesignchic.com | door: Pinterest